Kelly Csada, a mother-turned-advocate for improved supports for mental health and addictions, joined the NDP in the Legislature today to raise concerns about how people across rural and urban Saskatchewan are having trouble accessing proper treatment for addictions.

“This session we’ve heard so many concerns brought forward by families with different experiences with addictions,” said NDP Health Critic Vicki Mowat. “They all want to see the Sask. Party government improve access to proper treatment. It’s long past time this government finally commits to funding the proper resources to handle this crisis.”

The consequences of the Sask. Party government’s cuts to the most vulnerable and tax hikes for the middle class are on full display in the 2018-19 fiscal update, with growth projections down significantly since the budget, and spending on social services up.

“It’s the choices we make when times are tough that define us,” said NDP Leader Ryan Meili. “And by that measure, Premier Moe and the Sask. Party will be remembered for making the economic downturn worse by cutting health and education, and by adding the PST to key economic drivers like restaurant meals, construction labour, and used car sales.”

The Sask. Party’s mismanaged Regina Bypass has cost Saskatchewan $2 billion, but it has also cost Lloyd Rogina, a local property owner who believes his land and home have suffered extensive damage from the project’s high volume of heavy-haul traffic. The Sask. Party government deflected his concerns and told him to contact Regina Bypass Design Builders (RBDB), but he has not been satisfied with their responses, so Lloyd came to the Legislature and is demanding accountability.

“In cities, towns, rural and remote areas, people are dying because they can’t get access to the care and supports they need,” said Northern Affairs Critic Doyle Vermette, who tabled the Bill Tuesday afternoon. “I have been to way too many funerals for people in my communities who felt they had nowhere to turn. Suicide is a serious problem in Saskatchewan, and something needs to be done.”

“This is about safety on Saskatchewan highways,” said NDP Leader Ryan Meili. “Legitimate concerns have been raised about drivers getting their license without having undergone any training, and people are looking to this government to act.”